“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”- 1 Peter 1: 6-9
It is no coincidence that there are many places in scripture that refers to our faith being tested like gold in a furnace. We are allowed to experience pain and sorrow, temptation and suffering, so that our faith in God may be purified. We all were made in the image and likeness of God. That image was veiled when sin entered the world. You could say that the image of God was covered over by the ore of sin. It has never been lost. It lies deep inside us waiting to be uncovered.
Just as gold ore needs to be purified before it can be made into a beautiful necklace, our souls need purification before we can stand before God. Nothing imperfect can enter heaven. Likewise, nothing perfect can enter hell. Life is the crucible in which we are placed to be purified. The trials and sufferings of this life are the fire of God’s love that slowly purifies us. When God can look into the crucible and see his image in us, we are ready to spend eternity with him in heaven. We have been given this life to reclaim that image in which we were made. Recovering that image always results in a loss. When we give up our earthly attachments we will be less than what we were going in, but what is left behind is far more valuable.
God does not delight in our suffering. It was not the plan he had for us. God allows us to suffer so that our imperfections can be known to us. He knows our imperfections better than we ever could. We do not know where our faith is weakest until we are tested. It is only then that we can reach out to God and ask for his healing hand in our lives.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”- Ezekiel 36: 26
Suffering is the currency of love. We only love someone in as much as we are willing to suffer for them. That is what makes the crucifixion the greatest act of love mankind will ever know. Currency is only as good as the thing it is spent upon. Money hoarded in a jar under the bed is utterly useless. Suffering, being the currency of love, is just as useless when kept for one’s self. Catholics believe in redemptive suffering. St. Paul said that he makes up in his own body that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ on the cross. What could possible be lacking in the crucifixion? Quite simply, our participation in it.
When we unite our suffering with Christ’s, it is taken up to heaven and offered for the salvation and redemption of mankind. The Father takes our offering, blesses it, and returns it to us as his grace. This gives our suffering far greater purpose than just the purification of our souls. We get to participate in the sanctification of the world. When done out of love this greatly pleases the Father.
Suffering is not something to be feared or avoided when it is understood properly. It is God’s loving hand trying to get you to heaven. Offer it to him as your personal sacrifice, united with Jesus’ crucifixion. If you are capable and willing ask God to allow you to bear the suffering for another who may not be able to bear it for themselves. It is a great act of love to suffer for another and love is never waisted with God. When you suffer ask God to help you bear the suffering with dignity so that you can be the example to others of what the face of redemptive suffering looks like.
May God look into the crucible of your life and see his image therein.
